The U.S. Conference of Mayors and Mayor Landrieu to host 5th annual World Cultural Economic Forum

April 29, 2013

NEW ORLEANS, LA–The U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) and New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu will host the fifth annual World Cultural Economic Forum (WCEF) in New Orleans on Thursday, May 2, 2013. The WCEF convenes mayors, Ambassadors, ministers of culture, business representatives, and cultural leaders from around the world to focus on the powerful impact of culture to drive local economies and spur innovation. Participants will also discuss their experiences implementing safety and security measures during major sporting events, festivals and other large venues.

Realizing the importance of arts and culture as an economic development tool, Mayor Landrieu first launched the WCEF in 2008 while serving as Louisiana Lieutenant Governor, The U.S. Conference of Mayors is organizing the event starting this year.

According to Americans for the Arts, the arts industry in America is not only resilient in times of economic uncertainty, but also a key component to our nation's economic recovery. Nationally, in 2010, arts and culture generated $135.2 billion of economic activity and supports 4.13 million full-time jobs. The industry also generates $22.3 billion in revenue to local, state, and federal governments every year.

WHO:

Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, President of The U.S. Conference of Mayors
Mayor Mitch Landrieu, Chair of the USCM Tourism, Arts, Parks, Entertainment and Sports Committee and WCEF event host
U.S. Mayors
World Ambassadors
Ministers of Culture
Business and Cultural Leaders

Media planning to cover the meeting should rsvp to Elena Temple Webb etemple@usmayors.org or Lina Garcia lgarcia@usmayors.org and must bring an official and updated media credential to the event location.

Follow the meeting on Twitter at @usmayors and @WCEFNewOrleans. The meeting hashtag is #wcef2013.